SECOND PLACE WINNER - Fine Art: Abstract (PROFESSIONAL)
Mephisto

Photo © Gary Sheppard
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This series uses the alluring intricacies of liquid to offer
a glimpse in to the places and creatures from Mephisto’s world.
It plays with the viewer’s psychology by inviting them to put their own interpretation
on complex, swirling patterns produced by mixing inks, dyes and varnishes in water.
The images are mirrored to yield intriguing, symmetrical results depending on
how each scene is inverted and overlapped.
The convoluted structures and details that manifest as the liquids mix and flow into,
through and over each other are almost infinite in their complexity.
That intricacy means that,with each exposure, the particular combination of patterns,
colours and swirls which occurs at that instant has never existed before and will
never exist again. Each image is utterly unique.
Something about human psychology compels us to identify patterns and the
symmetry engendered by splitting, flipping and recombining each photo is
irresistible to our pattern-seeking minds.
Outlines and contours begin to resemble flames, creatures and faces peering
out from billowing clouds, confronting and seducing the viewer.
Much like a Rorschach test, what you perceive in these photos is a reflection
of the way your mind views the world.
Just as every photo is unique, each viewer’s interpretation of that scene will
be distinctly their own. Furthermore, what you perceive will be influenced by how
far from the image you are.
Even after repeated viewings you are likely to see scenes, creatures and objects
that you had not identifed before.
throughout Australasia.
With over 30 years photographic experience, the majority of Gary’s work is
involved with advertising campaigns for national and international distribution.
Gary has won awards at Cannes, One Show, D&AD, Communications Arts, London
International, Folio and AWARD shows and is an AIPP Master of Photography.
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This series uses the alluring intricacies of liquid to offer
a glimpse in to the places and creatures from Mephisto’s world.
It plays with the viewer’s psychology by inviting them to put their own interpretation
on complex, swirling patterns produced by mixing inks, dyes and varnishes in water.
The images are mirrored to yield intriguing, symmetrical results depending on
how each scene is inverted and overlapped.
The convoluted structures and details that manifest as the liquids mix and flow into,
through and over each other are almost infinite in their complexity.
That intricacy means that,with each exposure, the particular combination of patterns,
colours and swirls which occurs at that instant has never existed before and will
never exist again. Each image is utterly unique.
Something about human psychology compels us to identify patterns and the
symmetry engendered by splitting, flipping and recombining each photo is
irresistible to our pattern-seeking minds.
Outlines and contours begin to resemble flames, creatures and faces peering
out from billowing clouds, confronting and seducing the viewer.
Much like a Rorschach test, what you perceive in these photos is a reflection
of the way your mind views the world.
Just as every photo is unique, each viewer’s interpretation of that scene will
be distinctly their own. Furthermore, what you perceive will be influenced by how
far from the image you are.
Even after repeated viewings you are likely to see scenes, creatures and objects
that you had not identifed before.
About author:
Gary Sheppard is a photographer based in Sydney, Australia and working mainlythroughout Australasia.
With over 30 years photographic experience, the majority of Gary’s work is
involved with advertising campaigns for national and international distribution.
Gary has won awards at Cannes, One Show, D&AD, Communications Arts, London
International, Folio and AWARD shows and is an AIPP Master of Photography.
BACK TO GALLERY